Sanctity Betrayed: Khawarij’s Desecration of Mosques

The sanctity of mosques in Islam is undisputed. They are revered as places of worship, learning, peace, and unity—spaces where the faithful gather to seek spiritual closeness to Allah and draw guidance from His teachings. However, the reality in parts of the tribal region of Pakistan tells a painful and disturbing story, where Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), a terrorist outfit rooted in extremism, has turned these sacred spaces into hideouts, command centers, and venues for planning attacks that target innocent lives. This deliberate desecration of masajid by the Khawarij is not just a violation of religious space—it is a crime against Islam itself.

In a recent incident, FAK commander Maulvi Haider Wazir convened a gathering of militant leaders in a mosque located in Mir Ali, North Waziristan District. This meeting, like many others held by these extremists, had nothing to do with prayer or piety. Instead, it was part of a broader strategy of planning violence, spreading fear, and exploiting religion to further their destructive ambitions. The Khawarij have shown time and again that they do not value Islamic principles; they only twist and manipulate them for survival, power, and control.

Instead of respecting the mosque as a sanctuary for all Muslims, the Khawarij use these sacred places as their operational bases, forbidding local worshippers from entering, and effectively turning houses of Allah into fortresses of terror. This is a direct affront to the essence of Islam and to the very concept of masjid. By denying worshippers their right to prayer, these militants insult the sanctity of the mosque and hijack the community’s connection to their faith.

It is deeply ironic and disturbing that the Khawarij, who often shout slogans of religion and falsely claim to be fighting for Islamic values, are the very ones who trample over those same values with impunity. They are not the protectors of Islam—they are its abusers. They do not stand for jihad—they represent cowardice, hiding behind religious facades to gain legitimacy and shield themselves from state retaliation. Their use of mosques as shields stems from the knowledge that Pakistan’s security forces hold deep respect for religious sanctity. These militants exploit that reverence, weaponizing it to their own advantage while accusing the state of violating the very spaces they themselves have defiled.

Islam is a religion of peace and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctity of mosques and ensuring they remain centers of guidance, tranquility, and community support. The actions of the Khawarij stand in stark contrast to this vision. By turning mosques into venues of conspiracy and violence, they pollute both the physical structure and the spiritual essence of these sacred places. Their presence desecrates what should be sanctuaries for reflection, devotion, and community welfare.

This exploitation of religion must be condemned by all segments of society, particularly by religious scholars and clerics. Their voices carry immense weight and can play a pivotal role in countering extremist narratives. It is imperative that the ulema come forward and issue clear, unambiguous fatwas denouncing the use of mosques for militant purposes. The silence of religious authorities on this matter only emboldens these terrorists to continue misusing Islam for their own ends. When security forces conduct intelligence-based operations (IBOs) and militants take refuge in masajid, it is the Khawarij who initiate the violation of sacred space—not the state forces. Yet afterward, they falsely propagate that Islam has been disrespected by the very people who risk their lives to protect it.

The Khawarij are a black stigma on the face of Islam. Their every act tarnishes the peaceful image of the religion they pretend to represent. They are not the torchbearers of Islamic values, but the very opposite—agents of chaos and destruction who aim to divide, terrorize, and control. They feed off the fear they create, using Islamic slogans as a mask for their crimes. Their actions are not rooted in theology but in politics, power, and survival.

It is now time for the people of Pakistan—religious leaders, civil society, media, and ordinary citizens—to call out the hypocrisy and brutality of these militants. Their hollow slogans of Sharia cannot hide the reality of their crimes. The true spirit of Islam lies in justice, compassion, and community—not in violence, exclusion, and fear. Every segment of society must play a role in exposing the lies of these extremists and protecting the spiritual and social sanctity of our mosques.

The Pakistan Army, along with the support of the people, has always upheld the values of Islam and the rights of its citizens. Together, they have the strength to dismantle this fitna. With national unity, clear religious guidance, and unwavering resolve, we can purge this menace from our sacred lands.  Its goes without saying that Pakistan has a strong stance against any individual or terrorist groups maligning the name and integrity of Islam or any other religion for that matter.